Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1887-01-19
CARE OF CHILDREN.
The Proper Education of Boys and Girls
From Three to Six Years of Age.

The Proper Education of Boys and Girls
From Three to Six Years of Age.
If mothers could only realize what q
critical period their children are pass
ing through from the third to the sixth
year, they would exercise more than
ordinary care during that time. Not
only physically but mentally and
morally are they undergoing a change;
a change for better or worse, according
to the care and attention they receive
from their mothers and fathers. A
father is no more exempt from certain
duties towards the offspring than the
mother. He should always bear In
mind that his assistance in the control
of the children is of more value to his
tired wife than the presentation to her
of a costly gift. 1t is at this time that
children begin to notice papa's and
mamma s bearing toward one another;
let this always be one of perfect cour-
tesy and respect. Nothing so quickly
destroys respect for parents as con-
stant pickering in the presence of their
children. The first thing child should
be taught is respect for his parents and
elders; affection comes naturally with
most children and is the most valuable
aid in gaining control of their actions;
next to that is respect, without it very
little can be accomplished for the
child's welfare. Parents should bear
this in mind that children lose respect
very soon upon hearing them disagree;
using bitter cutting words to each
other. This is inflicting the first actual
pain these baby hearts have been called
upon to bear. In the presence of this
the child experiences conflicting
emotions, which ends in pity for
one parent and contempt for the
other. 0 parent. pause, consider be-
fore you lose this hold on the little
being who has heretofore considered
you perfect. Let there be unanimity
of purpose in act, word and deed before
these little creatures, who are so sus-
ceptible to every new impression, if
you would preserve their love and
respect.
Where there are both boys and girls
in the family, let it be early understood
that there is certain amount of defer
ence due the girls from the boys; this
has g refining influence upon the boys.
An excellent way with boys is to teach
them that they are the natural pro-
tectors of their sisters. To sum it all
up, increase the affection existing be-
tween them in every possible way.
Reprove them for rudeness to one an
other, remembering at the same time
that they learn more from example
than in any other way.
Never laugh at pert speeches made
by child. Most persons desire their
children to be considered brighter than
others. In consequence, as soon as the
innocent little things can lisp few
words they are worked with and
harassed until, in parrot-like way,
they commit to memory nursery
rhymes, the alphabet, etc., which they
are called upon to repeat before strang-
ers until they become either bold in
manner or painfully shy.
Never repulse child who is of an
inquiring turn of mind, answer him
truthfully and as accurately as you
can. 1t should be remembered that
children are learning something, new
to them, every hour of the day. See to
it that what is acquired is of the purest
and best.
From the time child is old enough
to sit at the table. teach him the proper
use of the knife, fork and spoon Never
allow child to lean upon the table,
habits such as that will accompany
hir, all through life. He should be
taught to wait patiently until his elders
are served. 1t is very important to
carefully observe these minor points.
By proper training in the beginning
parents are saved annoyance and NOR
tifioation in the future.
At this age children should be dieted
as carefully as when they were infants.
By this it is not meant that their diet
should consist solely of milk; by no
means, but do not fall into the error
so widely prevalent, that children hay
ing obtained their teeth are capable of
digesting all manner of food. This is
the chief cause of destruction of life in
children between three and six years
of age. Their stomachs being totally
untitled for the rich food they are al
lowed TO eat. Potatoes, meat, rice,
oatmeal, brown bread, ripe fruit and
as much milk as they can drink, is the
proper diet for children of that age
Mrs. e. L. Mamma, an Good E3use-
Keeping.